Back in September 2010, the Arts Council published a policy and strategy document in the area of Cultural Diversity and the arts. In this month's newsletter I'm delighted to announce that the Arts Council wishes to appoint a Cultural Diversity Adviser. The position will be for a 12-month period with a possible 6-month extension.

We have details about the 'Engaging with Architecture' scheme which closes on Thursday, 31 May 2012. 'Engaging with Architecture' was developed as a partnership initiative in response to both the Government policy on Architecture, 2009-2015 Towards a Sustainable Future:Delivering Quality within the Built Environment,and the Arts Council's research into Public Engagement with Architecture (2009).

Thursday, 17 May 2012 will have a ring around it on the calendar of artists and arts organisations, as it is the deadline day for many of our grants and schemes. Among these is our 'Dance Artist Residency' scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to stabilise and support a network of dance artists in residence across the country. There is also our 'Deis' scheme, which provides support for traditional arts projects, or projects involving collaboration between the traditional arts and other artforms, as well as the 'Traditional Arts Commissions' that support fees paid to artists for commissions in the field of Traditional Arts. There are three 'Theatre schemes' closing on this date as well.

Also in this edition of our newsletter, the 'Touring and Dissemination of Work - Round 1' award, opens for tours beginning in the period January to June 2013. The closing date for this award is 3 May 2012.

We include in the section information about an Interim Assignment at The Ark.

The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children is seeking to appoint an Acting Director from August 2012. This is an interim executive assignment for an experienced leader, who has passionate commitment to equality for children in the cultural sector, combined with a proven track record in management and knowledge of the arts.

News from the Cultural Contact Point includes: The Arts council third Travel and Training Strand: CCP International Award. You can see results for strand 1.3.6 of the EU Culture Programme online now.. We also have information about the Children's Book Ireland Annual Conference in May 2012. You can read about the Dublin Dance Festival panel discussion moving across Europe and about the European seminar " Music in Healthcare Settings". Finally details of the Europe for Citizens Programme 2007 - 2013.